Bass Tuning Machines
are made in three distinct mounting styles: Individual, French, and Tyrolean.
If you are looking for new machines for a new bass, the choice is strictly aesthetic,
so choose what pleases your eye. But if you are looking for new machines to replace
older or lower quality machines, you will need to consider several factors:
Individual Style Bass
Tuning Machines - The Gear, Peg, Shaft & Grip are on one plate.
There are four plates in a set, two for each side of the cheek (peg box). Individual
machines are the easiest to replace; frequently you can use the existing peg
holes and you can tilt the machines slightly if you need to squeeze onto the
existing cheek plate. Individual machines are the most modern looking, especially
when made of all metal. The winding peg, or pin, can be metal to match the gear,
or they can be made of wood for a much more traditional look. Wooden tuning
pegs for bass are pinned into the gear, so you turn them with the grip/gear
for faster winding (than cello pegs, for example).
French Style Bass Tuning Machines
- The Gear & Peg are on one piece; Shaft & Grip are on a separate plate.
There are two pieces for each string, so four pieces for each side of the cheek
(peg box). French machines are the most time consuming to install if you are
upgrading from Individual or Tyrolean style plates because you must create a
peg hole and a separate mortise for the screw/grip plate. French machines do
not cover old filled peg holes, screw marks, or other dings on the peg box,
so keep in mind what you may need to conceal or repair when choosing a French
set. Bass makers like to use French machines because they have a more exacting
and difficult placement, making a mark of distinction.
Tyrolean Style Bass Tuning Machines - Gear/
Peg and Screw/ Grip are on each plate. There are two plates, one for each side
of the cheek (peg box). Tyrolean or single plate style machines hide more of
the cheek, old filled holes, and other repairs. They are the most traditional
looking of the three styles. When fitting new Tyrolean plates keep in mind you
will either need to fit to existing peg holes or you will have to fill and re-drill
new peg holes. The new plates may or may not fit the exact size and curve of
the cheek; each bass is unique. Pegs pins can be made of the same metal as the
gear, or of wood with ebony or rosewood being preferred. Lately, we have taken
a real liking to iron forged grips with antique brass.
Please phone/email our Customer Service Staff
if you have questions about any bass tuning machines we feature. All machines
in our current stock come from Germany.
Polished Brass gear and peg, mounting plate; decorative steel shaft; sculpted oval Rosewood grips with brass end dot. Beautiful rosewood grips are what highlight these tuners. The worm shaft and the gear shaft are of heavy brass construction. Made especially for Lemur Music in Germany.
Antique Brass gear and peg, mounting plate, and sculpted oval grips; Black Iron shaft and screw. The gear and tuner shaft are crafted from a solid brass billet. The gear cogs are large and nicely articulated. Grips are sculpted elongated ovals. If you are looking for something old withBohemian styling, these may be just the thing.
Rustic Antique Iron gear and peg, mounting plate, sculpted oval grip; Black steel shaft and screw. There is nothing so beautiful as hand forged keys on an on bass. We love to see them on basses made before 1900. Now, in the grandest style, these machines are available again.
In our opinion, the French model shown here is the cream of the top. Understated beauty, hand craftsmanship, and pure class showing off maximum wood on the scroll. We Would be delighted to install these machines on your bass.
Engraved Black Nickel plate; Black nickel gear, peg, mountings, heavy oval grip; Steel shaft and screw These premium one piece plates, each with two keys, are finished in black nickel and are quite dramatic. Heavy duty (4mm) round grips in nickel chrome will last a lifetime.
Polished Brass plate, gear and peg, round grips; Steel shaft and screw. ½ size. Polished brass with etched borders. These are German made tuners. Not too fancy, but very good quality.
Black Nickel engraved plate, gear and peg, round grips; steel shaft and screw. ½ size These premium one piece plates, each with two keys, are finished in black nickel and are quite dramatic. Heavy duty grips in nickel chrome are round.
Polished Brass plate, gear and peg, round grips; steel shaft and screw. Tyrolean Style Tuning Machines, bright brass with no engraving. You'll like the simple styling without engraving for many instruments. 4 -string set.
Antiqued Brass plate, gear and peg, round grips; steel shaft and screw. No engraving, no lacquer. These tuning machines look great on an older bass - simple aesthetic with dark antique brass color. Heavy, round grips are also antique brass. 4 -string set.
BR>Polished Nickel Chrome plate and oval grip; Steel shaft and screw. This 4-string set of bass tuning machines are set up with 4 individual plates each with its own key. These are the easiest to re-position if you are changing tuning machines because you can use the existing mortise, no matter its original position.
Polished Brass plate, round grip, and pin collar, steel shaft and screw, with ebony peg. Premium single-plate brass tuner including ebony string winding pins. Engraved brass plates with fluted edges and contrasting matte background for the finest traditional look. Set of 4.
These ebony pins are ideal replacement shafts for tuning machines that require wooden plugs. They are sold individually.
Pins fit A1368 Individual Brass Tuners Without Pins 4-string Set as well as A1368A, the 5-string Set. Pins are generously proportioned and are designed to be shaped and installed by trained luthiers.
These Rosewood pins are ideal replacement shafts for tuning machines that require wooden plugs. They are sold individually.
Pins fit A1368 Individual Brass Tuners Without Pins 4-string Set as well as A1368A, the 5-string Set. Pins are generously proportioned and are designed to be shaped and installed by trained luthiers.
